Labradoodles are a popular and affectionate mixed breed created by crossbreeding a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle. Their cleverness, eagerness to learn, and docile nature make them one of the best family dogs one can get, especially those with children.
But how long do Labradoodles live? If you are considering getting a Labradoodle, understanding what you can do to ensure a healthy pet with a long lifespan is vital.
Read on to learn more about labradoodle average lifespan, factors affecting it, and what you can do to give your beloved companion a happy and long life!
Labradoodle Overview
Developed in the late 1980s by Wally Conron, Labradoodles were initially bred for their hypoallergenic qualities, making them suitable for service work and family life.
The non-shedding coat of the Poodle paired with the high intelligence of the Labrador meant that Conron could produce a guide dog particularly suitable for those suffering from allergies.
Today, Labradoodles across all sizes have gained recognition for their intelligence and trainability. Their calm temperament and hypoallergenic coats make Labradoodles suitable dogs for service work, including guide dogs for individuals with visual impairments.
The trainable nature of Labradoodles, regardless of size, makes them the perfect breed to serve as supportive companions in various roles.
Their coat type can be diverse, including hair, fleece, and wool coat, which could be curly to straight. An F1 Labradoodle, a mix between a purebred Labrador and a standard Poodle, will likely have hair or fleece coats like the Labrador.
In contrast, an F1b and F2 Labradoodle will likely inherit more Poodle genes, developing wool coats. They also come in various colors, depending on the parent dogs bred.
The Labradoodle breed typically has an amicable and sociable temperament, making them well-suited for various living situations, which is why they are such a popular dog breed.
Life Stages of Labradoodle
A Labradoodle goes through four main life stages, including:
Puppyhood (0-6 months)
A Labradoodle puppy is energetic and playful, requiring socialization and basic obedience training. A nutritious diet during this stage lays the foundation for their healthy growth and development.
Adolescence (6 months- 2 years)
Adolescence is marked by continued growth and development, both physically and mentally.
Training becomes more advanced, and regular exercise is crucial for channeling their energy and avoiding temperament issues like hyperactivity.
Your Labradoodle puppy will also reach sexual maturity during this time.
Adulthood (2-8 years)
A Labradoodle reaches its full size and temperament in adulthood. They will become calmer as compared to their puppyhood and adolescence years.
While they might not be as easy to train as a puppy, you can still teach your dog new skills and tricks with a bit more effort and dedication.
Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial during this phase to detect health problems early.
A well-balanced diet and consistent exercise regimen will also support the overall health of your adult Labradoodle.
Senior Years (8+ years)
As Labradoodles enter their senior years, they may experience a decline in energy, decreased appetite, and increased susceptibility to health concerns like epilepsy and dysplasia. Accordingly, you must provide them with more care and attention.
Senior dog-specific diets, more frequent vet visits, and modified exercise routines can enhance the quality of life, prolonging their lifespan.
Labradoodle Size and Lifespan
The average Labradoodle lifespan is about 12- 15 years, according to the Australian Labradoodle Association. Labradoodles come in various sizes, offering options for different living spaces and lifestyles. The three main recognized sizes are standard, medium, and miniature Labradoodles.
A Labradoodles lifespan will mainly depend on the type of Poodle parent it is bred with. The standard Poodle is the largest of all Poodles, followed by the miniature Poodle and toy Poodle, the smallest of all variations.
One of the benefits of crossbreeds like Labradoodles over a purebred dog is that they have a lesser likelihood of being predisposed to common genetic diseases of their parent breeds. That is known as hybrid vigor, whereby they inherit the positive genes of both breeds, ultimately extending their lifespan by reducing their predisposition to diseases.
As with most breeds, smaller dogs outlive larger ones, so you can expect a Labradoodle bred with a toy Poodle to have the longest lifespan. But that is without considering other vital factors, which we will discuss later.
Standard Labradoodle
Standard Labradoodles are the largest among the three sizes. Known for their strong and sturdy build, standard Labradoodles are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Standard Poodle. They typically live twelve years on average.
They can weigh between 40 to 90 pounds, and their height at the shoulder generally ranges from 21 to 24 inches. They are well-suited for families with spacious living environments.
Medium Labradoodle
A mix between a medium Poodle and a Labrador Retriever, a medium Labradoodle is a mid-sized option, usually weighing between 30 to 45 pounds. The height at the shoulder typically ranges from 17 to 21 inches.
Medium Labradoodles are a popular choice for those seeking a dog with a moderate size that is not too big or small. They still maintain the friendly and affectionate demeanor of the breed while being more adaptable to smaller living spaces. They have an average lifespan of 12 years.
Miniature Labradoodle
Miniature Labradoodles are the smallest among all Labradoodle sizes. They typically weigh between 15 to 30 pounds, and their height at the shoulder ranges from 14 to 17 inches.
A Mini Labradoodle is well-suited for individuals or families living in smaller spaces. They retain the intelligence and playful nature of the breed while being more manageable in size and are especially suited for households with small children.
As smaller dog breeds often live longer than larger dogs, miniature Labradoodles may have a slightly longer lifespan than standard Labradoodles and reach the upper end of the window, living up to 16 years.
Factors Affecting Labradoodle Lifespan
Labradoodles are known for their fairly long lifespans, as they are typically a healthy dog breed. While they live 12 years on average, individual lifespans can vary based on several different factors, which mainly include:
Genetic Influences
The genetic background of a Labradoodle significantly impacts its lifespan and more than any other factor perhaps. Like most breeds, Labradoodles are susceptible to developing a few health conditions, including hip dysplasia and von Willebrand’s disease.
Responsible breeding practices by a reputable breeder, including genetic testing, are at the core of reducing the risk of your Labradoodle puppy inheriting these diseases and disorders. A pedigreed dog is always a better option than a puppy without proof of its parent’s health history.
Labradoodles from well-established and reputable breeders often have a better chance of living a longer and healthier life. These dogs would have a more stable history, and having healthy parents means they will have a lower chance of being predisposed to genetic issues. That is an essential factor that affects a Labradoodle’s lifespan, no matter which size Labradoodle you have.
A licensed and reputable breeder can provide proof of the puppy’s parent’s health history and if they suffered from the common conditions mentioned above.
Diet and Nutrition
Proper nutrition is paramount for ensuring a Labradoodle’s good health and longevity. A well-balanced and high-quality diet with the appropriate portion sizes appropriate for their size and age plays a massive role in having an overall healthy dog.
Underfeeding your dog can lead to deficiencies and malnourishment while overfeeding can lead to obesity, which makes them prone to various diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and arthritis.
Therefore, you must ensure you are giving them the right nutrients in the adequate amounts to have a healthy and long life.
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Labradoodles are an energetic breed that requires regular exercise and mental stimulation. Providing adequate physical activity, such as taking them for walks, playing fetch, and swimming, will ensure a healthy weight, stronger muscles and joints, and better cardiovascular health, all contributing to a much longer lifespan.
While all Labradoodles require regular exercise, the dog’s size can impact the intensity and duration of physical activities needed to maintain optimal health.
Mental stimulation through training and interactive activities is equally important for their mental well-being. A sedentary lifestyle will impact their mental and physical health by causing depression, anxiety, and obesity, causing further serious health issues.
Therefore, mental and physical exercise go hand in hand, and one without the other could negatively impact their lifespan, so they must be getting both.
Routine Veterinary Care
Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care are essential for detecting and addressing health problems in your dogs early on. Catching an issue early on significantly improves the chances of treating it successfully and your dog surviving rather than letting it go unnoticed, sometimes until it’s too late.
Vaccinations, parasite prevention, oral care, and routine wellness examinations contribute to the overall health and longevity of Labradoodles by protecting them from diseases.
It’s best to get good pet insurance when you have a Labradoodle, so they will be having vet visits periodically and have every minor or major health issue checked out timely.
Environmental Factors
The living environment also plays a role in a Labradoodle’s lifespan. A safe, clean, and comfortable living space, free from hazards, can contribute to their overall health and well-being.
Extreme weather conditions and exposure to environmental toxins should be minimized to ensure a longer and healthier life.
Size
The size of a Labradoodle can also influence its lifespan, as mentioned previously. Larger dogs generally have shorter lifespans compared to smaller breeds. Labradoodles, falling into the medium to large size category, may have slightly shorter lifespans than smaller dog breeds.
Final Thoughts
Labradoodles are more than just adorable companions; they bring joy and loyalty to households. As you consider adding a Labradoodle to your life, keeping in mind the key factors influencing their well-being is essential.
Understanding the distinct life stages, the impact of size on their needs, and the importance of genetics, nutrition, and routine care will help you provide the best possible life for your Labradoodle. Whether you choose a standard, medium, or miniature Labradoodle, their intelligence, playfulness, and adaptability make them great additions to various lifestyles.
Ultimately, by prioritizing responsible breeding, proper nutrition, regular exercise, and a safe living environment, you’re not just getting a pet; you’re gaining a family member who can bring love and happiness for the years to come. That is if you take care of them and treat them right.
When selecting a Labradoodle, it’s essential to consider your living situation, activity level, and preferences to choose a size that aligns with your lifestyle. The size of your living space should also influence your choice of Labradoodle size. Larger dogs, such as standard Labradoodles, may thrive better in homes with ample space, while Miniature Labradoodles are more adaptable to smaller apartments.
Additionally, reputable breeders can guide you in selecting the right size based on your specific needs.